New recommendations to reduce the over representation of Aboriginals incarcerated in SA.

Aboriginal people are 24 times more likely to go to prison at some time in their lifetime. A Royal Commission in 1987, investigated the causes of deaths of Aboriginal people while held in State and Territory gaols and made 339 recommendations, regarding the treatment of Aboriginals, improvements to procedure and police education. However, in 1995 only 5 years after the royal commission, 22 Aboriginals died goal and custody, 25% of all Australians whom died in the same way in 1995 alone. Yet only 3% of the total population is Aboriginal. The Australian Institute Of Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) published a report. In 2012, in South Australia 2,100 Aboriginals were imprisoned compared to only 100 Non-Indigenous people. This over representation is a trend all around Australia, the trend is not acceptable, something needs to change.

By signing the petition, you are showing your support for the 3 following recommendations:

1. The Government/ Police level: It’s recommended that a stronger cultural awareness be incorporated into the education of police officers in South Australia.

2. Community level: It is recommended that students in schools learn about Aboriginal culture to improve awareness regarding Aboriginal people. It is important to understand the differences between cultures so that they can be aware of the poor treatment, the challenges of Aboriginal people and the assistance of Aboriginal children.

3. Grass roots/ individual level: It is recommended that individuals across South Australia are worked with personally once they are released from gaol to prevent re-offending. This can be done by working with people to give them education and employment opportunities.